Free Republic

The Royal Navy's most decorated pilot, Capt Eric "Winkle" Brown, has died at the age of 97. Capt Brown also held the world record for flying the greatest number of different types of aircraft - 487. During World War Two, Capt Brown, who was born in Leith in 1919, flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp. The pilot, who had been appointed MBE, OBE and CBE, died at East Surrey Hospital after a short illness. A statement released by his family said: "It is with deep regret that the passing of Captain Eric Melrose Brown...

A bill passed by the Kansas House of Representatives that could legalize discrimination against gay couples seems unlikely to pass in the state Senate, according to Kansas lawmakers. On Wednesday, the Kansas House voted 72-49 to approve HB 2453, which offers legal protection to individuals and businesses that refuse service for same-sex couples, specifically those looking to get married. Under the bill’s language, individuals, businesses and government employees would be immune from legal reprisal for refusing service if they have “sincerely held religious beliefs” opposing customers’ marriages. Though the bill is described as protecting religious freedom, LGBT organizations see it...

It was meant to be fightback day. But before long it was beginning to feel like groundhog day. After the Government’s umpteenth bad Bank Holiday weekend Gordon Brown was ready once more to try to focus his Government and the country on key issues such as the economy and swine flu rather than his party’s internal problems. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet after a private chat with Hazel Blears during which they cleared the air over her outspoken criticism of the Government’s “lamentable” communications. She was believed to have apologised over her “YouTube if you want to” remark...